300,000 People Help Celebrate Rio's 18th Annual Gay Pride Parade

By

On Top Magazine Staff

|
October 14, 2013

Brazil's second largest Gay Pride
Parade attracted roughly 300,000 people to Rio de Janeiro's famed
Copacabana beach on Sunday.

Revelers cheered legal victories that
effectively allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Brazil also
recognizes the legal marriages of gay couples from outside its
borders. Organizers
told the AP that the annual party helps raise awareness about
safer sex practices and continued violence directed at the LGBT
community.

“These days, things are a lot better
and stronger,” a participant told local media. “People are
accepting us with more affection, bringing their children to take
photos, to participate. Just like we want.”

Sao Paulo's annual Gay Pride Parade,
held in June, is considered the world's largest celebration, drawing
millions to the city's main artery.